Bird Flu, Tuberculosis, Measles, and More: Top News From February 2025

February 2025 presented a landscape of evolving health care challenges, ranging from novel approaches to managing substance withdrawal to pressing public health concerns. Pharmacists play a crucial role in understanding and responding to these developments, ensuring patients remain informed about the latest advancements and potential threats.

This round-up of top news articles aims to provide a concise overview of key topics that may impact pharmacy practice and patient care.

Flu, RSV, COVID-19, and More: Updates On the 2025 Respiratory Virus Landscape

By Alexandra Gerlach, Associate Editor

February 2025 presented a landscape of evolving health care challenges | Image credit: Gibster | stock.adobe.com

Key Findings: Cases of norovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19 have steadily risen across the country, resulting in hospitalizations, school closures, and other disruptions. This annual surge in cases is not uncommon or a surprise to health care providers, often labeled the “tripledemic.” This year, with the additional increased cases of norovirus, the media has labeled it the “quad-demic.”^1,2

As multiple viruses continue to circulate, staying informed and vigilant remains crucial, and pharmacists play a vital role in patient education and prevention strategies. Proper hygiene, including hand washing, is essential to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Staying up to date on vaccinations, recognizing early symptoms, and understanding when to seek medical care can help reduce the burden on health care systems.

Implications for Pharmacists: Respiratory virus season presents a significant challenge and opportunity for pharmacists. As highly accessible health care professionals, pharmacists are pivotal in mitigating the impact of these illnesses. They play a crucial role in administering vaccinations, providing rapid testing, and dispensing antiviral medications. Pharmacists can counsel patients on symptom management, proper medication usage, and preventive measures such as hand hygiene and mask wearing. They can also help identify high-risk individuals and guide them toward appropriate medical care. Furthermore, pharmacists can educate patients about the differences between these viruses, helping to alleviate confusion and promote informed decision-making. By offering accessible and timely interventions, pharmacists are essential in protecting public health during respiratory virus season and ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Kansas Reports Historic Numbers of Active Tuberculosis Cases

By Ashley Gallagher, Editor

Symptoms of tuberculosis depend on where the bacteria are growing | Image credit: Dr_Microbe | stock.adobe.com

Key Findings: The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported a historic number of active tuberculosis (TB) cases in the state, although they noted that most were low-risk to the general public. As of January 24, 2025, there were 67 confirmed active cases across 2 counties in Kansas. Additionally, there were 79 latent cases across 2 counties.³

Symptoms of TB depend on where the bacteria are growing. Active TB in the lungs could result in a severe cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer, pain in the chest, and coughing up blood or phlegm from deep inside the lungs. Other symptoms can include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, lack of appetite, chills, fever, and night sweats. Symptoms of TB in other parts of the body can include red or purple swelling of the skin if the infection is in the lymph nodes, blood in the urine if it is in the kidneys, headache or confusion if it is in the brain, back pain if it is in the spine, or hoarseness if bacteria are in the larynx. Individuals with inactive TB may not have symptoms but should be treated in order to prevent active TB.⁴

Implications for Pharmacists: Pharmacists are an essential member of the care team to fight TB. Through accessibility and knowledge of treatments, pharmacists are positioned to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes of TB. Pharmacists can have informed discussions with patients about the importance of adherence, risks of non-treatment, and management of symptoms of TB or adverse effects of medication.

CDC Study Raises Concerns Over Undetected H5N1 Infection in Humans

By Alexandra Gerlach, Associate Editor

H5N1 is spread silently among bovine veterinarians | Image credit: pilipphoto | stock.adobe.com

Key Findings: A recent study published by the CDC suggests that recent counts of H5N1 avian influenza infections in humans may be an undercount because of asymptomatic illness. Although typically spread amongst animals, H5N1 can be passed to humans through exposure to infected animals or animal carcasses. Symptoms can range from mild to severe respiratory symptoms and conjunctivitis, and some infections have resulted in hospitalizations as well as 1 death in Louisiana.⁵

In a study released by the CDC, experts found evidence that H5N1 is spread silently among bovine veterinarians who have frequent, prolonged exposure to animals. They evaluated 150 veterinarians across 46 sites using a questionnaire coupled with a voluntary blood test for antibodies to a recent HPAI A(H5) virus infection. Among the participants, 55% practiced in states with virus-positive dairy herds, and 17% worked with dairy cattle with known or suspected infection. Of the survey respondents, 2% had antibodies to recent HPAI A(H5) infection and reported no respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis.⁶

Implications for Pharmacists: The ongoing H5N1 outbreak, particularly given recent CDC data indicating potential undetected spread among veterinarians, presents a unique and evolving challenge for pharmacists. Although direct patient interaction with avian influenza may be limited, pharmacists must remain vigilant and informed. They should be prepared to address potential public health concerns, including questions about transmission, prevention, and symptom management, especially from individuals in high-risk professions such as veterinary medicine or those who work with poultry.

Pharmacists also play a role in ensuring adequate supplies of antiviral medications should human cases increase, and they would almost certainly be involved in future vaccination campaigns if a human vaccine becomes available. Furthermore, pharmacists need to be aware of the potential for increased anxiety and misinformation surrounding the outbreak and be prepared to provide accurate, evidence-based information to patients and the community. By staying up-to-date on the latest CDC recommendations and collaborating with other health care professionals, pharmacists can contribute to effective public health responses during this dynamic situation.

Measles Outbreak in West Texas Marks Largest Surge in 30 Years

By Alexandra Gerlach, Associate Editor

The outbreak is largely a product of poorer vaccination rates | Image credit: weerapat1003 | stock.adobe.com

Key Findings: A measles outbreak in the South Plains region of Texas has infected 124 individuals and claimed the life of 1 pediatric patient, marking the largest outbreak in Texas in 30 years and the first measles death in the United States in over a decade. According to Texas Health and Human Services, 18 patients have been hospitalized due to measles infection, and the majority of cases are in unvaccinated individuals. The outbreak has spread as far as New Mexico, where the state reports a total of 9 cases as of February 25, 2025.^7-9

The outbreak is largely a product of poorer vaccination rates in the South Plains region of Texas, and health officials stress the importance of vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Mobile vaccine drives have been initiated to fight the spread, and many parents of younger, unvaccinated patients are rushing to vaccinate their children.

Implications for Pharmacists: As one of the most accessible health care providers, pharmacists are ideally positioned to provide vaccines and accurate information to their patients. Pharmacists can address potential concerns about the MMR vaccine, clarifying misconceptions and providing evidence-based information on its safety and efficacy. Pharmacists can explain the risks of measles as well as the benefits of vaccination, helping to combat vaccine hesitancy and promote community immunity. They can also ensure patients understand the recommended vaccination schedule and provide resources for further information, ultimately contributing to public health efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent future ones.

REFERENCES

1. Lee BY. ‘Quad-demic’ hitting US with flu, COVID-19, RSV, norovirus surging. Forbes. January 26, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2025/01/26/quad-demic-hitting-us-with-flu-covid-19-rsv-norovirus-surging/

2. Shaw ML. Avian influenza: prevention, progress, and public health priorities. AJMC. January 24, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/avian-influenza-prevention-progress-and-public-health-priorities

3. Tuberculosis Outbreaks. Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2242/Tuberculosis-Outbreaks

4. Signs and Symptoms of Tuberculosis. CDC. January 17, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/tb/signs-symptoms/index.html

5. Gerlach A. As Human Cases of H5N1 Rise, Experts Voice Concerns About Mutations. Pharmacy Times. January 6, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/as-human-cases-of-h5n1-rise-experts-voice-concerns-about-mutations

6. Leonard J, Harker EJ, Szablewski CM, et al. Notes from the field: seroprevalence of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5) virus infections among bovine veterinary practitioners – United States, September 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2025;74:50-52. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7404a2

7. Soucheray S. Texas reports first death in measles outbreak. CIDRAP. February 26, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/texas-reports-first-death-measles-outbreak

8. Measles Outbreak–Feb. 25, 2025. Texas Department of State Health Services. February 25, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-feb-25-2025

9. 2025 Measles Outbreak Guidance. NM Health. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/mog/